Great Everyday Basics.

I love to shop, but admittedly do most of my shopping online as I am a creature of convenience (and nearly everything I wear ends up on this blog so I like to make sure it’s available online). That being said, there is something really great (and time-saving) about going into an actual store, trying everything on, seeing what fits and what does not. Whenever I shop online, I end up returning so much of what I buy, which can be such a pain. A few weeks ago, I placed a big order online and ended up returning everything except one piece – what a bummer! So every now and then I will go shopping with my best friend (she went with me to pick out my SAG Awards gown) and the mission ends up being wayyy more successful.

Last week, Macy’s invited me in to experience their My Stylist program. I gave them my objective (finding figure-flattering everyday basics) and was paired with a stylist (Tinka!!) who found me the cutest stuff. It was like shopping with my best friend, except better, as my stylist had the inside scoop, a more critical eye, knew the layout of the store, and could find me the best stuff (most of it was on sale, hooray!)

Outfit Details: Guess Bernadette Shawl Cardigan (c/o) // Armani Exchange Top (c/o – this is similar!!) // Guess Denim Trousers (similar)

Tinka was kind of a magician. I didn’t give her any of my sizes ahead of time. I told her I wanted to do a better job dressing for my body type. She laughed at me and said that dressing for your body is all about fit, not necessarily style. She looked me up and down, and within fifteen minutes, arrived back at the dressing room with several cute outfits. And she nailed all of my sizes, without asking. I was shocked + impressed.

Also – guys – this sweater duster is just so amazing. It is the most comfortable thing ever… basically a chic bathrobe. I brought Jenna (my intern) along to snap some dressing room pics (below) and we both went wild for it.

It was really fun. Tinka found some great things that I wouldn’t have necessarily chose for myself. Tailored denim cropped trousers (I almost always go for a skinny fit), this cozy cowl (I wouldn’t have picked it up because it’s a little cropped in the front but she encouraged me to layer it over a tee). She also introduced me to the wonder that is Rachel Roy t-shirts. If you are looking for a great t-shirt that is long and lean (with a nice v-neck), this one is fab. I love this looser, asymmetrical one as well.

My dressing room diaries of sorts… this also could be, “See Grace in no makeup and poor lighting, vs. makeup and natural lighting!” Pardon how tired I look – I had just gotten home from LA! I ended up taking everything pictured above home but my favorite look was the duster/top trousers combination!

Look 1: Top // Denim Trousers

Look 2: Sweater // Top // Jeans

Look 3: Cowl Neck // T-Shirt // Jeans

The My Stylist service is totally free to all Macy’s customers, and there is no obligation to buy. I liked that Tinka was not concerned with racking up the biggest sale… but more so with finding me pieces I truly loved and would wear. And at check out she even found me a coupon… a nice added bonus! If you find shopping at department stores overwhelming (hand raised), are looking to revamp your wardrobe, or have a specific occasion to shop for, I would definitely recommend booking an appointment!

Created in partnership with Macy’s + Shopstyle.

Styled photos by Trent Bailey.